As the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development begins pretreatment procedures to maintain priority routes to address forecasted winter weather, DOTD IS IN THE PROCESS OF CLOSING the LA 154 over Lake Bistineau Bridge, in Bienville Parish. This will allow the department to use manpower and resources on priority routes with higher traffic volume.

This is a total road closure and it is unsafe and unlawful to drive onto a closed road past a "road closed" barricade at any time for any reason.

DOTD urges motorists to use extra caution when traveling on roadways during hazardous weather and stay off the roads whenever possible. Motorists should drive slowly and carefully, and avoid driving while distracted. Always allow for extra driving time, reduce speeds when visibility is low, and make sure there is plenty of room between vehicles. Also, look out for black ice, which can form on bridges, overpasses, off-ramps and in shady spots. In addition, motorists need to be on the look-out for DOTD work vehicles applying de-icing material to area bridges and overpasses.

Citizens can get the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions by using the 511 Traveler Information System simply by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511la.org.

Motorists can also obtain information regarding road closures by contacting DOTD’s Customer Service Center at 1-877-4LA-DOTD (1-877-452-3683). The center is open 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Additionally, motorists can utilize the new "Way to Geaux" application to receive real-time, around the clock travel alerts. The hands-free, eyes-free smartphone application can be downloaded on any iPhone or Android device by visiting either the iTunes App Store, or Google Play.